Worthing Indian restaurant Shaan crowned the best at national curry awards

Shaan Indian Cuisine restaurant in Tarring Road was given the ‘Best Restaurant’ award in a ceremony in London.

Speaking about the win, owner Syed Shamim Ahmed said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award, it feels great to be recognised in this way!

"We are very grateful to all our customers”

Mr Ahmed started the business after a long-desired ambition to run his own hospitality operation, sharing what good Indian and Bangladeshi food is all about. He is supported by the kitchen team made up of staff members Ana Miah, Mohammed Akikul Islam and Fahad Khan, while his son, Minhad, works in the front of house.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Ahmed was branded a ‘hero’ by Curry Life magazine for making food deliveries to vulnerable people and NHS staff.

He and his wife Lima were presented with the award by Sir Peter Bottomley, member of parliament for Worthing West.

The MP is a long time supporter of the Curry Life Awards and of Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani cuisine in West Sussex and across the UK.

He said: “Syed has been at the heart of his local community for over a decade. We applaud him and his caring wife, Lima, for their enduring dedication to providing delicious food to residents in Worthing and Arun.

“Many people know him through his family and have been happy customers in his restaurant for years.

“Throughout the pandemic, Syed stood handing out bundles of food and supplies to the hard-working health workers at Worthing Hospital.

“In previous years when I have asked constituents to nominate a local restaurant for national awards, the Shaan has consistently been a top nominee.

“We can share in pride for this prestigious recognition of the Shaan Restaurant and Syed’s highly capable team.”

The Curry Life Awards reward and recognise the individuals who represent the very best of the British curry industry and have shown innovation and inspiration in their work.

Curry Life magazine, which hosts the awards, is a long-established voice of curry houses in Britain and continental Europe.

It reaches around 10,000 Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese and Pakistani restaurants, with an estimated readership of over 100,000.